Ratchet means



March 18, 1947.

V A. M; LARKIN RA'IGHET MEANS Filed Sept. 4, 1945' \NVENTOE. AETEMAS M, 'LARKm 0 if Y AT RN Patented Mar. l 8 1947 V T D. STAT BATCHET MEANS Artem as M. Larkin, San Diego, Calif., assignor to The Ryan Aeronautical ;Co., San Diego, -Calif., a corporation of California Application September 4, 134 5, Serial No.6 14,1 16 I This invention relatesto a ratchet meansadapted for use in connection with mechanism wherein a quicklyrelcasable latch mechanism is required.

This ratchet means is particularly adapted for use in connection with various controls wherein r the pivotal movementof the lever 3 is limited it is desired to-employ a very simple ratchet means for use in the operation of aircraft, automotive, and other equipment.

According to this invention the ratchet means is set by operating a lever or other control in one direction. The ratchet means is then released by further operating the same in the firstmentioned direction for a short distance whereupon it is operated in a reverse direction for effecting ratchet escapement providing a very simple ratchet means to operate. Thus it is obvious that the operation of this ratchet means may be accomplished by simply shifting a control in two directions without performing additional manual operation in connection therewith.

Such means in connection with aircraft controls or the like is very desirable because of its simplicity and reliability of operation, together with economy of weight.

Referring to the accompanying drawings:

Fig. l is a side elevational view of this ratchet means showing fragmentarily the latch member;

Fig. 2 is a similar view to Fig. 1 showing the ratchet means in this engaged position;

Fig. 3 is another view showing a further varying position of the ratchet means;

Fig. 4 is a fragm ntary sectional view taken from the line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a similar View to Fig. 3 showing another operating position of the ratchet means; and

Fig. 6 is a similar view to Fig. 1 showing a modified arrangement of the ratchet means.

Similar characters of reference refer to similar parts and portions throughout the several views of the drawings.

Secured in connection with the bracket 5 is the axle 1 on which the ratchet member I is pivotally mounted. This ratchet member I is provided with an arcuate edge portion 8 in which the latch portion 9 provides an engaging portion for the pawl 2. This pawl 2 is pivotally mounted on a pin III in connection with the bracket 5 and is engaged at its movable end portion by the spring 4 which is interposed between the spring base II and saiTi movable portion of the pawl member 2. The lever 3 is pivotally mounted on pin I 4 connected to the ratchet member I and by pins i2 and I3 connected to the ratchet memher I-. Y v

As shown in Fig.1 of the drawings, the latch portion 9 is engaged by the pawl 2 maintaining the ratchet'member I against rotation, as indicated. by. the I arrow in. F g. i 1 ,of the drawings The operation of this ratchet means is substantially as follows: The ratchet means is engaged as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings, maintaining the ratchet member I against rotation and it is desired to operate the ratchet member I in the direction as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1 of the drawings. The ratchet member I is shifted counterclockwise as shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings wherein the lever 3 at. its movable end portion engages the pawl 2 pivoting the same on the pin I0 out of engagement with the latch portion 9 of the ratchet member I. Then the ratchet member I is rotated in the clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow in Fi .3 of the drawings. When so pivoted, the lever 3 in engagement with the pawl 2 pivots from the stop pin I2 to the stop pin I3 maintaining the support of the pawl member 2 out of alignment with the notch portion 9 of the ratchet member I until the notch portion 9 is past the engaging end of the pawl 2, having shifted the ratchet member I out of engagement with the pawl 2 as shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings. The ratchet member I may be further shifted to the desired position as shown in Fig. 5 of the drawings wherein the lever 3 gravitates into engagement with the pin I2.

The modification as shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings is substantially the same in construction as that shown in Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive and incorporates the spring 6 which is mounted on the pin I4 and. engages the stop pin I2 tending to hold the lever 3 against the stop pin I2. Thus the spring 6 performs the same function as gravitation of the lever 3, as illustrated in Fig. 5 of the drawings. Thus the modification as shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings is adapted for use in connection with mechanism wherein only slight pivotal movement of the ratchet member I is required.

Other embodiments of the invention employing the same or equivalent principle may be used and structural changes made as desired by those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention, and within the spirit of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters 5 Patent is:

1. In a ratchet means, the combination of a stationary bracket member, a ratchet member .pivotally mounted in connection with said bracket member provided with an arcuate edge portion having a notch portion therein, a pawl pivotally connected with said bracket member adapted to engage the notch portion of said ratchet member, a lever pivotally mounted on said ratchet member having its extending end protruding slightly beyond the arcuate edge of said ratchet member and engageable with said pawl for moving the same out of engagement with said notch portion of said ratchet member, a spring in connection with said bracket member and said pawl member tending to force said pawl member into engagement with the notch portion of said ratchet member and stop means at opposite sides of said lever arranged to limit the pivotal movement of the same.

2 In a ratchet means, the combination of a stationary bracket member, a ratchet member pivotally mounted in connection with said bracket member provided with an arcuate edge portion having anotch portion therein, a pawl pivotally connected with said bracket member adapted to engage the notch portion of said ratchet member, a, lever pivotally mounted on said ratchet member having its extending end protruding slightly beyond the arcuate edge of said ratchet member and engageable with said pawl for moving the same out of engagement with said notch portion of said ratchet member, a spring in connection with said bracket member and said pawl member tending to force said pawl member into engagement with the notch portion of said ratchet member, stop means at opposite sides of said lever arranged to limit the pivotal movement of the same and spring means in connection with said lever and said stop means for holding said lever in engagement with said stop means when disengaged from said pawl.

- ARTEMAS M. LARKIN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Num er Name Date 1,702,302 Joachim Feb. 19, 1929 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 141,953 German June 11, 1935 

